Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version After the priest has had the woman stand before the LORD, he shall loosen her hair and place in her hands the reminder-offering, the grain offering for jealousy, while he himself holds the bitter water that brings a curse. New Living Translation When the priest has presented the woman before the LORD, he must unbind her hair and place in her hands the offering of proof—the jealousy offering to determine whether her husband’s suspicions are justified. The priest will stand before her, holding the jar of bitter water that brings a curse to those who are guilty. English Standard Version And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD and unbind the hair of the woman’s head and place in her hands the grain offering of remembrance, which is the grain offering of jealousy. And in his hand the priest shall have the water of bitterness that brings the curse. Berean Standard Bible After the priest has the woman stand before the LORD, he is to let down her hair and place in her hands the grain offering of memorial, which is the grain offering for jealousy. The priest is to hold the bitter water that brings a curse. Berean Literal Bible And the priest shall have the woman stand before the face of YHWH, and he shall uncover the head of the woman and put in her hands the offering of the memorial, that is the grain offering of jealousy. And in his hand the priest shall have the bitter water that brings a curse. King James Bible And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman's head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse: New King James Version Then the priest shall stand the woman before the LORD, uncover the woman’s head, and put the offering for remembering in her hands, which is the grain offering of jealousy. And the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that brings a curse. New American Standard Bible The priest shall then have the woman stand before the LORD and let down the hair of the woman’s head, and place the grain offering of reminder in her hands, that is, the grain offering of jealousy; and in the hand of the priest is to be the water of bitterness that brings a curse. NASB 1995 The priest shall then have the woman stand before the LORD and let the hair of the woman’s head go loose, and place the grain offering of memorial in her hands, which is the grain offering of jealousy, and in the hand of the priest is to be the water of bitterness that brings a curse. NASB 1977 ‘The priest shall then have the woman stand before the LORD and let the hair of the woman’s head go loose, and place the grain offering of memorial in her hands, which is the grain offering of jealousy, and in the hand of the priest is to be the water of bitterness that brings a curse. Legacy Standard Bible The priest shall then have the woman stand before Yahweh and let the hair of the woman’s head go loose, and he shall place the grain offering of remembrance in her hands, which is the grain offering of jealousy; and in the hand of the priest is to be the water of bitterness that brings curses. Amplified Bible The priest shall then have the woman stand before the LORD, and let the hair of the woman’s head hang loose, and put the memorial grain offering in her hands, which is the jealousy offering, and in the hand of the priest is to be the water of bitterness that brings a curse. Berean Annotated Bible After the priest has the woman stand before the LORD {YHWH}, he is to let down her hair and place in her hands the grain offering of memorial, which is the grain offering for jealousy. The priest is to hold the bitter water that brings a curse. Christian Standard Bible After the priest has the woman stand before the LORD, he is to let down her hair and place in her hands the grain offering for remembrance, which is the grain offering of jealousy. The priest is to hold the bitter water that brings a curse. Holman Christian Standard Bible After the priest has the woman stand before the LORD, he is to let down her hair and place in her hands the grain offering for remembrance, which is the grain offering of jealousy. The priest is to hold the bitter water that brings a curse. American Standard Version And the priest shall set the woman before Jehovah, and let the hair of the woman's head go loose, and put the meal-offering of memorial in her hands, which is the meal-offering of jealousy: and the priest shall have in his hand the water of bitterness that causeth the curse. English Revised Version and the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and let the hair of the woman's head go loose, and put the meal offering of memorial in her hands, which is the meal offering of jealousy: and the priest shall have in his hand the water of bitterness that causeth the curse: GOD'S WORD® Translation The priest will bring the woman into the LORD's presence and loosen her hair. In her hands he will put the offering used for a confession (that is, the grain offering brought because of the husband's jealousy). The priest will hold in his hands the bitter water that can bring a curse. Good News Translation Then he shall loosen the woman's hair and put the offering of flour in her hands. In his hands the priest shall hold the bowl containing the bitter water that brings a curse. International Standard Version The priest is to have the woman stand in the LORD's presence, uncover her head, and put the grain offering as a memorial, a reminder of jealousy, into her hands. The priest is also to have in his hand the contaminated water that carries a curse. NET Bible Then the priest will have the woman stand before the LORD, uncover the woman's head, and put the grain offering for remembering in her hands, which is the grain offering of suspicion. The priest will hold in his hand the bitter water that brings a curse. New Heart English Bible The priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and let the hair of the woman's head go loose, and put the meal offering of memorial in her hands, which is the meal offering of jealousy. The priest shall have in his hand the water of bitterness that brings a curse. Webster's Bible Translation And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman's head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy-offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAfter the priest has the woman stand before the LORD, he is to let down her hair and place in her hands the grain offering of memorial, which is the grain offering for jealousy. The priest is to hold the bitter water that brings a curse. World English Bible The priest shall set the woman before Yahweh, and let the hair of the woman’s head go loose, and put the meal offering of memorial in her hands, which is the meal offering of jealousy. The priest shall have in his hand the water of bitterness that brings a curse. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the priest has caused the woman to stand before YHWH, and has uncovered the woman’s head, and has given the present of the memorial into her hands (it [is] a present of jealousy), and the bitter waters which cause the curse are in the hand of the priest. Berean Literal Bible And the priest shall have the woman stand before the face of YHWH, and he shall uncover the head of the woman and put in her hands the offering of the memorial, that is the grain offering of jealousy. And in his hand the priest shall have the bitter water that brings a curse. Young's Literal Translation and the priest hath caused the woman to stand before Jehovah, and hath uncovered the woman's head, and hath given into her hands the present of the memorial, it is a present of jealousy, and in the hand of the priest are the bitter waters which cause the curse. Smith's Literal Translation And the priest made the woman stand before Jehovah, and uncovered the head of the woman, and gave upon her hands the gift of remembrance, this is the gift of jealousy: and in the hand of the priest shall be to him the waters of contradiction, causing the curse. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when the woman shall stand before the Lord, he shall uncover her head, and shall, put on her hands the sacrifice of remembrance, and the oblation of jealousy: and he himself shall hold the most bitter waters, whereon he hath heaped curses with execration. Catholic Public Domain Version And while the woman stands before the Lord, he shall uncover her head, and he shall place over her hands the sacrifice of recollection and oblation of jealousy. But he shall take hold of the most bitter waters, in which he has gathered curses with loathing. New American Bible Making the woman stand before the LORD, the priest shall uncover her head and place in her hands the grain offering of remembrance, that is, the grain offering of jealousy, while he himself shall hold the water of bitterness that brings a curse. New Revised Standard Version The priest shall set the woman before the LORD, dishevel the woman’s hair, and place in her hands the grain offering of remembrance, which is the grain offering of jealousy. In his own hand the priest shall have the water of bitterness that brings the curse. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the priest shall set the woman before the LORD and shave the woman's head and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering; and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water of testing; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Priest shall stand the woman before LORD JEHOVAH and he shall shave the head of the woman and he shall put the meal offering of remembrance, the meal offering of jealousy in her hands, for bitter testing waters shall be in the hands of the Priest. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and let the hair of the woman's head go loose, and put the meal-offering of memorial in her hands, which is the meal-offering of jealousy; and the priest shall have in his hand the water of bitterness that causeth the curse. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the priest shall cause the woman to stand before the Lord, and shall uncover the head of the woman, and shall put into her hands the sacrifice of memorial, the sacrifice of jealousy; and in the hand of the priest shall be the water of this conviction that brings the curse. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Adultery Test…17Then he is to take some holy water in a clay jar and put some of the dust from the tabernacle floor into the water. 18After the priest has the woman stand before the LORD, he is to let down her hair and place in her hands the grain offering of memorial, which is the grain offering for jealousy. The priest is to hold the bitter water that brings a curse. 19And he is to put the woman under oath and say to her, ‘If no other man has slept with you and you have not gone astray and become defiled while under your husband’s authority, may you be immune to this bitter water that brings a curse.… Cross References After the priest has the woman stand before the LORD, Deuteronomy 19:17 both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. Joshua 24:1 Then Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders, leaders, judges, and officers of Israel, and they presented themselves before God. Deuteronomy 10:8 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. he is to let down her hair Leviticus 13:45 A diseased person must wear torn clothes and let his hair hang loose, and he must cover his mouth and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ Leviticus 10:6 Then Moses said to Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar, “Do not let your hair become disheveled and do not tear your garments, or else you will die, and the LORD will be angry with the whole congregation. But your brothers, the whole house of Israel, may mourn on account of the fire that the LORD has ignited. Leviticus 21:10 The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair hang loose or tear his garments. and place in her hands the grain offering of memorial, Leviticus 2:2 and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the frankincense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. Leviticus 2:9 The priest is to remove the memorial portion from the grain offering and burn it on the altar as a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. Leviticus 24:7 And you are to place pure frankincense near each row, so that it may serve as a memorial portion for the bread, a food offering to the LORD. which is the grain offering for jealousy. Proverbs 6:34-35 For jealousy enrages a husband, and he will show no mercy in the day of vengeance. / He will not be appeased by any ransom, or persuaded by lavish gifts. Proverbs 27:4 Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy? Exodus 34:14 For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. The priest is to hold the bitter water that brings a curse. Jeremiah 8:14 Why are we just sitting here? Gather together, let us flee to the fortified cities and perish there, for the LORD our God has doomed us. He has given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD. Deuteronomy 27:15-26 ‘Cursed is the man who makes a carved idol or molten image—an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of a craftsman—and sets it up in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ / ‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ / ‘Cursed is he who moves his neighbor’s boundary stone.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ … Deuteronomy 28:15-68 If, however, you do not obey the LORD your God by carefully following all His commandments and statutes I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: / You will be cursed in the city and cursed in the country. / Your basket and kneading bowl will be cursed. … Leviticus 20:10 If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death. Treasury of Scripture And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman's head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causes the curse: charge her Matthew 26:63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Romans 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. Jump to Previous Bitter Bitterness Causeth Curse Grain Hair Hand Hands Head Jealousy Jealousy-Offering Loose Meal Meal-Offering Memorial Offering Priest ring Uncover Water Woman'sJump to Next Bitter Bitterness Causeth Curse Grain Hair Hand Hands Head Jealousy Jealousy-Offering Loose Meal Meal-Offering Memorial Offering Priest ring Uncover Water Woman'sNumbers 5 1. The unclean are removed out of camp5. Restitution is to be made in trespass 11. The trial of jealously After the priest has the woman stand before the LORD This phrase indicates a formal and solemn setting, as standing before the LORD signifies being in the presence of God, often at the entrance of the Tabernacle. This reflects the seriousness of the ritual and the direct appeal to divine judgment. The priest acts as a mediator between the woman and God, highlighting the priestly role in ancient Israelite society. he is to let down her hair and place in her hands the grain offering of memorial which is the grain offering for jealousy The priest is to hold the bitter water that brings a curse Persons / Places / Events 1. The PriestA mediator between God and the people, responsible for performing the ritual described in this passage. 2. The Woman The subject of the ritual, accused of infidelity, standing before the LORD for judgment. 3. The LORD The divine presence before whom the ritual is conducted, signifying His role as the ultimate judge. 4. The Reminder Offering A grain offering symbolizing the jealousy and the situation at hand, held by the woman. 5. The Bitter Water A concoction used in the ritual, believed to reveal the truth about the woman's fidelity. Teaching Points The Role of the PriestThe priest acts as a mediator, highlighting the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance in resolving conflicts and seeking truth. The Significance of Rituals This passage underscores the role of rituals in the Old Testament as a means of seeking divine judgment and maintaining community purity. God as the Ultimate Judge The ritual emphasizes that God is the ultimate judge of truth and righteousness, reminding believers to seek His wisdom in times of doubt. The Importance of Integrity The passage calls for personal integrity and faithfulness, encouraging believers to live lives that are above reproach. The Power of Symbolism The use of physical symbols (the offering and the bitter water) in the ritual serves as a reminder of the spiritual realities they represent. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 5:18?2. How does Numbers 5:18 illustrate the importance of purity in God's community? 3. What role does the priest play in Numbers 5:18, and why is it significant? 4. How can Numbers 5:18 be connected to New Testament teachings on holiness? 5. In what ways can we apply the principles of Numbers 5:18 in our lives? 6. How does Numbers 5:18 emphasize accountability within the faith community? 7. What is the significance of uncovering the woman's head in Numbers 5:18? 8. How does Numbers 5:18 reflect ancient Israelite views on women and marriage? 9. Why is the ritual in Numbers 5:18 necessary for determining guilt or innocence? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 5? 11. What is the ritual for suspected adultery in Numbers? 12. How can the 'bitter water' of Numbers 5:11-31 scientifically detect infidelity? 13. Numbers 6:9-12 -- Why would accidental defilement require repeating the entire vow and new sacrifices, suggesting a severe ritual focus that seems excessive? 14. Does Numbers 5 imply a double standard for men and women regarding marital faithfulness? What Does Numbers 5:18 Mean After the priest has the woman stand before the LORDWhen the accused wife is placed “before the LORD,” she is brought into the very presence of God, not merely before a human court (Exodus 16:9; Deuteronomy 19:17). • The priest acts as mediator, reminding everyone that God Himself will judge the hidden matters of the heart (Psalm 96:13; Hebrews 4:13). • This public setting underscores the seriousness of marital fidelity; the covenant of marriage is ultimately accountable to God (Malachi 2:14). He is to let down her hair Unbinding the woman’s hair symbolizes vulnerability and the removal of customary dignity (Leviticus 13:45). • Loose hair often marked grief or shame (Isaiah 15:2), contrasting sharply with the covered or orderly hair expected in worship (1 Corinthians 11:15). • The act visually communicates: “Nothing is hidden; all is exposed before the LORD” (Psalm 44:21). And place in her hands the grain offering of memorial, which is the grain offering for jealousy The woman must hold her own offering, emphasizing personal responsibility. • A grain offering normally celebrated fellowship with God (Leviticus 2:1-2), but here it is called “for jealousy,” aligning with God’s righteous zeal for covenant faithfulness (Exodus 34:14; Proverbs 6:34). • As a “memorial,” it brings the case to God’s remembrance (Acts 10:4 uses similar language for Cornelius’s offerings). • No oil or frankincense is added (Numbers 5:15, just prior), hinting that sin mars the usual fragrance of worship. The priest is to hold the bitter water that brings a curse While the woman holds the offering, the priest holds the water—two contrasting symbols: potential blessing of covenant versus potential curse of unfaithfulness (Deuteronomy 27:15-26). • “Bitter water” recalls Marah, where God revealed His power over bitterness (Exodus 15:23-25). • If she is innocent, the water remains harmless, proving God’s justice (Proverbs 11:21). If guilty, the curse materializes, showing that “whatever a man sows, he will reap” (Galatians 6:7). • This dramatic rite affirms that God alone discerns truth and administers consequences (Jeremiah 17:10). summary Numbers 5:18 details a solemn, God-centered procedure meant to uncover hidden sin, uphold marital faithfulness, and protect the innocent. Each step—standing before the LORD, unbound hair, personal offering, and bitter water—serves as a vivid reminder that God sees, judges, and vindicates. Verse 18. - Uncover the woman's head. In token that she had forfeited her glory by breaking, or seeming to have broken, her allegiance to her husband (1 Corinthians 11:5-10); perhaps also with some reference to the truth that "all things are naked and open to the eyes of him" with whom she had to do (Hebrews 4:13). Put the offering of memorial in her hands. That she herself might present, as it were, the fruits of her life before God, and challenge investigation of them. Bitter water. It was not literally bitter, but it was so fraught with conviction and judgment as to bring bitter suffering on the guilty.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew After the priestהַכֹּהֵ֥ן (hak·kō·hên) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3548: Priest has the woman הָאִשָּׁה֮ (hā·’iš·šāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female stand וְהֶעֱמִ֨יד (wə·he·‘ĕ·mîḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations before לִפְנֵ֣י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face the LORD, יְהוָה֒ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel he is to let down וּפָרַע֙ (ū·p̄ā·ra‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6544: To loosen, to expose, dismiss, absolve, begin her הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה (hā·’iš·šāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female hair רֹ֣אשׁ (rōš) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7218: The head and place וְנָתַ֣ן (wə·nā·ṯan) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set in עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against her hands כַּפֶּ֗יהָ (kap·pe·hā) Noun - fdc | third person feminine singular Strong's 3709: Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan the grain offering מִנְחַ֣ת (min·ḥaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 4503: A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering of memorial, הַזִּכָּר֔וֹן (haz·zik·kā·rō·wn) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2146: Memorial, remembrance which הִ֑וא (hî) Pronoun - third person feminine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are is the grain offering מִנְחַ֥ת (min·ḥaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 4503: A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering for jealousy. קְנָאֹ֖ת (qə·nā·’ōṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 7068: Ardor, zeal, jealousy The priest הַכֹּהֵן֙ (hak·kō·hên) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3548: Priest is יִהְי֔וּ (yih·yū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be to hold וּבְיַ֤ד (ū·ḇə·yaḏ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3027: A hand the bitter הַמָּרִ֖ים (ham·mā·rîm) Article | Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 4751: Bitter, bitterness, bitterly water מֵ֥י (mê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen that brings a curse. הַמְאָֽרֲרִֽים׃ (ham·’ā·ră·rîm) Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 779: To execrate Links Numbers 5:18 NIVNumbers 5:18 NLT Numbers 5:18 ESV Numbers 5:18 NASB Numbers 5:18 KJV Numbers 5:18 BibleApps.com Numbers 5:18 Biblia Paralela Numbers 5:18 Chinese Bible Numbers 5:18 French Bible Numbers 5:18 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 5:18 The priest shall set the woman before (Nu Num.) |
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